When the game’s barker announced the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles’ starting lineup against their archrivals De La Salle University Green Archers, he called out the names of Angelo Kouame, Rafffy Verano, Tyler Tio, Anton Asistio, and Adrian Wong.
One name was curiously missing from the Katipunan school’s starting five – Thirdy Ravena.
In fact, the first time Ravena entered the action was at the 3:55 mark of the first period. Not that he had any problem with it – he still ended up with 14 points and 10 rebounds anyway.
“Well it’s nothing different naman for me. It’s the coaches’ decision,” shared the UAAP Season 80 Men’s Basketball Finals Most Valuable Player. “Si coach Tab (Baldwin) alam niya naman kung anong gagawin nya during the game.
“He knows how to prepare and of course as a player, kailangang ready ka lang sa lahat ng puwedeng instances na mangyari.”
The Green Archers were targeting a win to formalize their entry into the Final Four; however, the Blue Eagles foiled their plans while clinching a twice-to-beat cushion for the post-season.
“La Salle was tough. They didn’t make it easy for us. Nakita natin na lumaban sila until the end. But I don’t know, yun yung mga laro na talagang it’s a stretch. ‘Di ka puwedeng basta-basta mag-slack off,” said the Ateneo lifer.
Some players may have balked at starting from the bench, especially those who have Ravena’s talents and impact in the game. But at the end of the day, the fourth-year cager just wants to be a good soldier for Tab Baldwin and his comrades.
“If it means coming off the bench, that means, as a veteran of the team, kailangan maganda yung start ko to make sure that the other guys coming off the bench produce for our team as well,” pointed out the second generation cager, who had already faced controversy early this season.
“And it’s just another challenge and as a player, I’m just doing my job just like my teammates.”
For Ateneo’s coaching staff, it’s all about finding the right pieces to from their materials to nullify their opponents on both ends of the floor. No starting five is set in stone under Baldwin’s rule.
“Going forward, we don’t know what coach Tab will do and will be thinking about, but definitely we have a purpose for that also,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga.
“It’s a good thing that Thirdy wasn’t bothered by that change. He still played well for us and that was very important.”
At the end of the day, the win is what matters most for Ravena and the rest of the Ateneo community. Whether he starts from the bench or not, it’s all about the contributions which matter for the Ateneo stalwart.
“I know it sounds redundant but that’s what made us successful. Kaya kami nandito kami ngayon dahil dun sa servanthood, our mantra na we do it because of our teammates.”
